A Week in The Arts. Saturday the 22nd of February 2025

Today’s news covered a diverse range of cultural highlights and significant events. Acclaimed children’s author Mac Barnett was named the new National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress, promoting the power of picture books. Indie rock band Vampire Weekend announced the second leg of their "Only God Was Above Us" tour for 2025, with special guests Geese and Turnstiles. The Australian Ballet’s gripping production of John Neumeier’s Nijinsky earned critical acclaim, while fans mourned the passing of Rick Buckler, drummer for The Jam, at age 69. In the art world, plans were submitted for the 33-meter Star of Caledonia sculpture near Gretna Green, and humanoid robot Ai-Da’s portrait of Alan Turing sold for $1.08 million at Sotheby’s. The Resistance exhibition at Turner Contemporary chronicles a century of British protests, and the Noise Pop Festival 2025 kicked off in San Francisco, featuring headliners like St. Vincent. In entertainment, Osgood Perkins’ adaptation of Stephen King’s The Monkey debuted in theaters, and Hans Zimmer’s concert at Barclays Center delivered an epic journey through his iconic film scores. Florence Pugh made a dramatic fashion statement at Harris Reed’s London Fashion Week show, and Scottish Opera’s The Makropulos Affair earned widespread praise. Broadway fans celebrated Jeremy Jordan’s casting in Floyd Collins, and San Antonio artists Vinny Tovar and Aubry Rodriguez revitalized the classic song Pass Me By, blending traditional country roots with a modern twist.